Delayed or cancelled flights can entitle you to significant compensation. Describe your situation and get instant guidance on what you are owed and how to claim it.
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What you need to know
UK Regulation 261/2004 (UK261) gives passengers on flights departing from UK airports, or arriving at UK airports on UK or EU airlines, the right to compensation for significant delays and cancellations. These rights exist regardless of whether you bought a cheap or expensive ticket and cannot be signed away in the booking terms.
For flights delayed by three or more hours at your final destination (or four or more hours for flights over 3,500km), compensation is: £220 per person for flights up to 1,500km; £350 per person for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km; £520 per person for flights over 3,500km. Note: these are the sterling equivalents — UK261 specifies amounts in euros and the actual amount depends on the exchange rate applied.
If your flight is delayed by two or more hours, the airline must provide meals and refreshments appropriate to the waiting time, two free phone calls or emails, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary along with transport between the airport and hotel. These duties apply regardless of the cause of the delay.
Airlines often try to avoid compensation by claiming extraordinary circumstances. Genuine extraordinary circumstances include severe weather, air traffic control strikes, political instability, and security risks. However, technical faults — even unexpected ones — are generally NOT extraordinary circumstances according to European Court of Justice case law (Wallentin-Hermann). Challenge this defence if it seems unjustified.
Submit your claim directly to the airline in writing. If rejected, request their final decision. You then have the option of using an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme such as CEDR or Aviation ADR (free, takes around 90 days), or issuing a claim through the small claims court. Do not use no-win no-fee claims firms for straightforward cases — you will pay a significant percentage of your compensation.
In England and Wales you have six years to bring a flight delay compensation claim. However do not delay — evidence becomes harder to obtain over time. You should ideally claim within 12 months of the flight.
This guidance is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current figures and legislation on GOV.UK or seek professional advice for your specific situation.